Enhanced fiber probes for ELT

ABSTRACT

Systems for treatment of glaucoma comprise an excimer laser, a plurality of fiber probes, and a processor. Each fiber probe is attachable to the excimer laser to treat a subject having glaucoma by delivering shots from the laser. The processor is configured to monitor and limit a variable number of shots delivered by each fiber probe, the number of shots delivered by each fiber probe programmable within a range. Methods of treating glaucoma include programming a fiber probe to deliver a number of shots from an excimer laser. The fiber probe is inserted into an eye of a subject having glaucoma and adjusted to a position transverse to Schlemm&#39;s canal in the eye. A plurality of shots is applied from the excimer laser source while the probe is in the transverse position, thereby treating glaucoma by creating a plurality of perforations in Schlemm&#39;s canal and/or the trabecular meshwork.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/389,386, filed Apr. 19, 2019, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT)and fiber probes used in ELT procedures.

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from glaucoma experience vision loss from a build-upof fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. The fluid build-upincreases the pressure in the eye and causes damage to the optic nerve.If left untreated, the damage to the optic nerve will lead to blindness.

Traditional pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat glaucoma do not providea permanent solution and instead manage the condition by loweringpressure in the eye. For example, some medications decrease productionof the fluid, while other medications increase drainage of the fluid.Traditional surgical treatments are also used to lower pressure, forexample, by inserting an implant into the eye to increase drainage.However, these procedures have risks associated with them, such asdislodgement of the implant.

SUMMARY

The invention provides systems and methods of treating glaucoma usingfiber probes that have a programmable number of laser shots for useduring an excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) procedure. ELT is aminimally invasive method of treating glaucoma that does not involveimplants. Instead, an excimer laser is used to permanently perforate thedrainage system in the eye to increase drainage of fluid. ELTinstruments require fiber probes to deliver the laser pulse to the eye.In the invention, a fiber probe connected to the ELT instrument isprogrammable to deliver a variable number of laser shots and monitor thenumber of shots delivered by the probe, thereby allowing forpersonalized treatment of glaucoma.

Existing fiber probes are operable for a fixed number of laser shots.Typically, a maximum number of laser shots is delivered by each existingfixed-use fiber probe. If a physician requires greater than 10 lasershots for treatment, the ELT procedure is interrupted in order to changeout one fixed-use fiber probe for another fixed-use fiber probe.

Because ELT procedures often require more than a standard number oflaser shots for treatment of glaucoma, the invention provides fiberprobes programmable to increase the maximum number of laser shots foreach probe. By programming the fiber probes, interruptions in the ELTprocedure are avoided, such as delays caused by replacing an expendedfixed-use fiber probe with a fresh fixed-use fiber probe in order tocontinue treatment of an eye. The invention therefore avoidsinterruptions to the surgical process in order to allow a change ofequipment.

Methods and systems of the invention allow programming of a fiber probeto deliver a variable number of laser shots and monitor the number ofshots delivered by the probe. In an embodiment of the invention, oncethe fiber probe is connected to the ELT instrument, the fiber probe maybe programmed. The ELT instrument comprises an interactive userinterface, or display panel, that is communicatively coupled with acontroller and a processor. Settings input by the user into theinteractive user interface are processed and implemented.

In an example of the invention, a physician uses the interactive userinterface to enter a numerical value for the variable number of lasershots deliverable by the probe. The numerical value for the variablenumber of laser shots is programmable within a range and is adjustablefrom a minimum amount to a maximum amount. For safety purposes, themanufacturer may set a predefined limit on the maximum number of shots.The physician may program the variable number of deliverable laser shotsup to the manufacturer-set maximum number. The ELT instrument programsthe variable number of laser shots deliverable by the fiber probe andsubsequently monitors the number of laser shots delivered by the fiberprobe. The invention therefore provides personalized glaucoma treatment,which has the benefit of preventing reuse of medical equipment andavoids the detriment of not treating a patient in an optimal manner.

In some examples, the variable number of deliverable laser shots isdetermined based on pre-operative analysis conducted by the physician.For example, a physician may review the condition of glaucoma in thesubject and decide to administer 15 laser shots per eye using ELTtreatment. The physician is then able to program the fiber probeaccordingly and perform the ELT procedure to deliver as many laser shotsas programmed without interrupting the treatment to change out fiberprobes. Thus, methods and systems of the invention provide personalizedlaser surgical intervention that increases efficiency of ELT proceduresand avoids delays from changing out fiber probes.

During the ELT procedure of the invention, after programming the fiberprobe, the physician guides the delivery tip of the fiber probe througha corneal incision in the eye and towards the trabecular meshwork. Insome examples, methods of the invention further comprise administeringanesthesia to the subject before making the incision and inserting theprobe. Typically, the incision has a length of about ⅛ inch or smaller.In some examples of the invention, one or more sutures are used to closethe incision after ELT treatment. The delivery tip is guided by thephysician to a position transverse to the Schlemm's canal to createpermanent perforations in the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm'scanal. Fluid drainage from the anterior chamber of the eye isimmediately improved once perforations are created in the meshworkand/or Schlemm's canal by the laser. The perforations also increaseblood flow and reduce pressure in the eye. In some cases, the physicianuses a Gonio lens, endoscope, or other illumination source to aid inpositioning the delivery tip of the fiber probe.

Once the delivery tip is at a position transverse to the Schlemm'scanal, a series of shots of laser energy are delivered to the trabecularmeshwork. By providing a laser probe at a position transverse toSchlemm's canal, or crosswise to Schlemm's canal, energy from the laseris delivered to a greater amount of surface area than if the fiber probewas in a position parallel to or perpendicular to Schlemm's canal.Arrangement of the delivery tip at a position transverse to Schlemm'scanal achieves optimal photoablation and formation of perforations fordrainage.

To improve drainage of the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber ofthe eye, a plurality of permanent perforations is lasered into thetrabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal by the ELT procedure. EachELT perforation has a diameter of about 200 μm. In existing fiber probesfor use in ELT procedures, the fiber probes are set to deliver amaximum, fixed number of laser shots. For example, the maximum, fixednumber may be 10 laser shots. Methods and systems of the presentinvention allow the physician to program the number of laser shotsdeliverable by the fiber probes, thereby providing fiber probes with avariable number of deliverable laser shots. The number of laser shots isprogrammable within a range and is adjustable from a minimum amount to amaximum amount. According to the invention, a physician can attach afiber probe to the ELT instrument and enter a range for number of shotsdeliverable by the attached fiber probe using the interactive userinterface on the instrument. In some examples of the invention, thenumber of deliverable laser shots is a variable number. In someexamples, the variable number of deliverable shots is greater than about10 shots.

In an example of the invention, after examining a subject havingglaucoma, a physician determines that 15 shots per eye are needed fortreatment. Using the invention, the physician programs a fiber probe todeliver 15 laser shots as a maximum number in the range of laser shotsdeliverable by the probe. In such a scenario, the physician uses a fiberprobe that is programmed to deliver 15 laser shots to treat glaucoma ina first eye of the subject. For sterilization purposes, a second fiberis programmed and used to deliver 15 laser shots in a second eye of thesubject. The physician uses two fiber probes during the ELT procedure,one probe for each eye. In contrast, twice as many fiber probes would beused for the same ELT treatment plan if the physician was usingtraditional, fixed number fiber probes with 10 shots set as the maximumfixed number of shots. A first fixed number probe would be used to applya maximum 10 shots to a first eye, the first fixed number probe would bereplaced with a second fixed number probe, and the remaining 5 shots inthe treatment plan would be applied to the first eye. The process wouldbe repeated for treatment of a second eye of the subject, with a thirdfixed number probe used to apply a maximum 10 shots to the second eyeand a fourth fixed number probe used to apply the remaining 5 shots inthe treatment plan to the second eye.

In an embodiment of the invention, the input options on the interactiveuser interface are directed to setting the pulse, width, and amplitudeof the laser. Due to safety concerns, a maximum setting for each of thepulse, width, and amplitude are typically pre-defined by themanufacturer. The user may select values within the predefined rangesset by the manufacturer.

Examples of the invention use a 308-nm xenon-chloride ultravioletexcimer laser. The 308-nm xenon-chloride ultraviolet excimer lasercauses minimal thermal damage compared with visible or infrared lasers.In some examples of the invention, the excimer laser is an encapsulatedxenon chloride (XeCl) excimer laser such as the EX TRA LASERmanufactured by MLase AG. Because ELT is a non-thermal procedure, tissuereactions in the trabecular meshwork are not shown or activatedpost-operatively. The lack of heat generation in ELT allows for a nearlyabsent activation of postoperative tissue reactions and provideslong-term stability of the pressure-reducing effects.

Moreover, to avoid the corneal absorption of laser radiation, an opticalfiber is used to deliver the energy. A delivery tip of the fiber probecomprises the optical fiber jacketed in metal, such as stainless steel.In some examples of the invention, the delivery tip is beveled (e.g., at0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° with respect to the tip). The fiber probecomprises an optical fiber suitable for UV light that is embedded into ahandheld laser applicator. In some examples of the invention, a FIDOLASER APPLICATOR manufactured by MLase AG is used as the fiber probe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of methods of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the inventionin an eye.

FIG. 3 shows the schematic section view of an eye with a light sourceaid.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of systems of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of systems of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an ELT system.

FIG. 8 shows a stylized embodiment of an interactive user interface.

FIG. 9 shows a capped embodiment of a fiber probe.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a fiber probe.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a fiber probe along line A-A ofFIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a fiber probe along line B-B ofFIG. 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods of the invention treat glaucoma using excimer lasertrabeculostomy (ELT). Multiple shots from the excimer laser areadministered to the patient in order to shoot holes, or perforations, inthe trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. ELT converts trabecularmeshwork tissue into gas by photoablation. By permanently perforatingSchlemm's canal and/or the trabecular meshwork, built-up fluid in theeye is immediately allowed to drain. Moreover, because the perforationsallow for increased blood flow and fluid drainage, subsequent visionloss from damage to the optic nerve due to any build-up is therebyavoided.

In existing fiber probes for use ELT procedures, the fiber probes areset to deliver a maximum fixed number of laser shots. Methods andsystems of the present invention allow the physician to program thenumber of laser shots deliverable by the fiber probes, thereby providingfiber probes that deliverable a variable number of laser shots. Once thedelivery tip is at a position transverse to the Schlemm's canal, thephysician applies pulsed photoablative energy to create ELT sites orperforations in the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. In someexamples of the invention, a physician creates greater than about 10 ELTsites per eye.

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment 100 of methods of theinvention. Methods of the invention are directed to treating a patienthaving glaucoma with ELT. In the invention, the energy shots deliveredfrom the excimer laser are at a position transverse to the Schlemm'scanal. In some examples, methods include 110 pre-operative analysis,such as diagnosis of the eye condition, inspection and/or visualizationof the anterior chamber of the eye to aid in placement of the laserprobe, and analysis of number of laser shots needed for treatment. Inthe invention, excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) is used to treatglaucoma.

Methods of the invention include 120 programming the number of shotsdeliverable by the fiber probe. In existing fiber probes for use ELTprocedures, the fiber probes are set to deliver a maximum, fixed numberof laser shots. Methods and systems of the present invention allow thephysician to program the number of laser shots deliverable by the fiberprobes. The number of laser shots is programmable within a range and isadjustable from a minimum amount to a maximum amount. A physician canattach a fiber probe to the ELT instrument and use the interactive userinterface on the instrument, and subsequently the controller andprocessor of the ELT system, to program the fiber probe to deliver arange of laser shots.

Some embodiments of the method include 130 administering anesthesia tothe patient. Topical anesthesia is commonly employed, typically by theinstillation of a local anesthetic such as tetracaine or lidocaine.Lidocaine and/or a longer-acting bupivacaine anesthetic may be injectedinto the area surrounding (peribulbar block) or behind (retrobulbarblock) the eye muscle cone to more fully immobilize the extraocularmuscles and minimize pain sensation. Optionally, a facial nerve blockmay be performed using lidocaine and bupivacaine to reduce lidsqueezing. In some cases, such as for children, patients with traumaticeye injuries, and nervous or uncooperative patients and animals, generalanesthesia is administered with cardiovascular monitoring. To preparethe area for surgery, proper sterile precautions must be taken,including use of antiseptics like povidone-iodine and employment ofsterile drapes, gowns, and gloves. In some cases, an eye speculum isinserted to keep the eyelids open.

Methods of the invention further include a physician 140 making a smallincision on the eye of the patient. Before the ELT procedure isperformed, a small incision is made in the cornea of the eye to allowintroduction of the laser probe. Typically, the incision is about ⅛ inchor smaller. During the ELT procedure, a physician guides a delivery tipof a fiber probe through the corneal incision in the eye and towards thetrabecular meshwork. The delivery tip is guided by the physician to aposition transverse to the Schlemm's canal. A Gonio lens, endoscope,and/or illumination source may be used by the physician to aid inpositioning the delivery tip. By providing a laser probe at a positiontransverse to the Schlemm's canal, or crosswise to the Schlemm's canal,the laser is delivered to a greater amount of surface area than if thelaser was in a parallel or perpendicular position to the Schlemm'scanal. Thus, arrangement of the delivery tip at a position transverse tothe Schlemm's canal achieves optimal photoablation and formation ofperforations in the meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. The orientation andpositioning of the delivery tip is critical when creating perforationsin the tissue, as achieving transverse placement of perforations in themeshwork relative to Schlemm's canal provides optimal drainage.

Once the delivery tip is at a position transverse to the Schlemm'scanal, the physician 150 applies ELT treatment to the patient bydelivering a series of shots of laser energy to the trabecular meshworkand Schlemm's canal. The physician applies pulsed photoablative energyto create ELT sites or perforations in the trabecular meshwork and/orSchlemm's canal. Unlike traditional fiber probes that have a maximum,fixed number of deliverable laser shots, methods of the invention allowthe physician to program the number of shots deliverable by the fiberprobe. The number of laser shots deliverable by fiber probes accordingto methods and systems of the invention is programmable within a rangeand is adjustable from a minimum amount to a maximum amount.

In some examples of the invention, a physician uses a programmed fiberprobe to create greater than about 10 ELT sites in an eye of thepatient. A small amount of bloody reflux from Schlemm's canal confirmseach opening. The fiber probe is removed from the eye. Notably, the IOPdecreases immediately after administering the ELT procedure.

After applying ELT treatment, a physician 160 closes the incision.Typically, a physician uses sutures to close the incision. Somephysicians place a suture in the incision and other physicians reserve asuture for when there is persistent leakage.

Methods of the invention include 170 analyzing post-operative resultsand 180 reporting results and/or scheduling a post-operative follow-upappointment with the patient after surgery. For example, the physician'sanalysis may include observing a small amount of bloody reflux fromSchlemm's canal to confirm each opening. By observing the bloody refluxand drainage of aqueous humor, the physician is able to immediatelyverify the effectiveness of the laser treatment. In turn, the physicianmay report the results to the patient, prescribe post-operativemedication, such as topical antibiotics and steroid drops, and schedulea follow-up post-operative visit with the patient. For example, topicalantibiotics and steroid drops are used by the patient for 1 to 2 weekspost-operatively.

FIG. 2 is schematic sectional view of an eye 2100 illustrating theinterior anatomical structure. FIG. 3 shows the schematic section viewof an eye 2100 with a light source 2190, such as a Gonio lens,endoscope, or other light source. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematicsectional view of the eye. The outer layer, or sclera, 2130 serves as asupporting framework for the eye, and the front of the outer layer 2130includes a cornea 2125, a transparent tissue that enables light to enterthe eye. An anterior chamber 2135 is located between the cornea 2125 anda crystalline lens 2110, and a posterior chamber is located behind thelens 2110. The anterior chamber 2135 contains a constantly flowing clearfluid called aqueous humor. In the anterior chamber 2135, an iris 2120encircles the outer perimeter of the lens 2110 and includes a pupil atits center, which controls the amount of light passing through the lens2110.

The eye further includes a trabecular meshwork 2140, which is a narrowband of spongy tissue that encircles the iris 2120 within the eye. Thetrabecular meshwork has a variable shape and is microscopic in size. Itis of a triangular cross-section and of varying thickness in the rangeof 100-200 microns. It is made up of different fibrous layers havingmicron-sized pores forming fluid pathways for the egress of aqueoushumor. The trabecular meshwork 2140 has been measured to about athickness of about 100 microns at its anterior edge, known as Schwalbe'sline, which is at the approximate juncture of the cornea and sclera.

The trabecular meshwork widens to about 200 microns at its base where itand iris 2120 attach to the scleral spur. The passageways through thepores in trabecular meshwork 2140 lead through very thin, porous tissuecalled the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork that abuts the interiorside of a structure called Schlemm's canal 2150. Schlemm's canal 2150 isfilled with a mixture of aqueous humor and blood components and branchesoff into collector channels which drain the aqueous humor into thevenous system. Because aqueous humor is constantly produced by the eye,any obstruction in the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanaliculartrabecular meshwork or in Schlemm's canal prevents the aqueous humorfrom readily escaping from the anterior eye chamber which results in anelevation of intraocular pressure within the eye.

The eye has a drainage system for the draining aqueous humor. Theaqueous humor flows from a posterior chamber behind the lens 2110through the pupil into the anterior chamber 2135 to the trabecularmeshwork 2140 and into Schlemm's canal 2150 to collector channels andthen to aqueous veins. The obstruction of the aqueous humor outflowwhich occurs in most open angle glaucoma (i.e., glaucoma characterizedby gonioscopically readily visible trabecular meshwork) typically islocalized to the region of the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshworklocated between the trabecular meshwork 2140 and Schlemm's canal 2150,more specifically, the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. When anobstruction develops, such as at the juxtacanalicular trabecularmeshwork or at Schlemm's canal, intraocular pressure gradually increasesover time, leading to damage and atrophy of the optic nerve, subsequentvisual field disturbances, and eventual blindness if left untreated.

A laser probe according to the invention is used to treat glaucoma. Thedelivery tip of the laser probe 2160 is guided through a small incision,typically about ⅛ inch or smaller, in the cornea 2125 of the eye andacross the anterior chamber 2135 to a position transverse to theSchlemm's canal 2150. The laser probe is coupled to a laser source andtransmits laser energy from the laser source to the trabecular meshwork2140 and Schlemm's canal 2150, resulting in photoablation of tissueincluding at least the trabecular meshwork 2140 and, in some instances,the Schlemm's canal 2150. The photoablation from the laser energycreates perforations in the meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal, therebyimproving fluid drainage into the Schlemm's canal 2150 and reducingintraocular pressure in the eye.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the delivery tip 2160 at a positiontransverse 2170 to the Schlemm's canal 2150. Arrangement of the laser ata transverse position to the Schlemm's canal allows the laser path totravel crosswise through the trabecular meshwork to the Schlemm's canal.By positioning the laser transverse to the Schlemm's canal, the laser isable to provide photoablation to a greater amount of surface area of thetrabecular meshwork in comparison to a laser arranged at positionsperpendicular or parallel to the Schlemm's canal. Moreover, if thedelivery tip of the laser was positioned parallel to the Schlemm'scanal, the laser would not provide photoablation to any surface area ofthe trabecular meshwork or Schlemm's canal.

FIG. 5 diagrams a schematic of system 200 according to certainembodiments of the invention. The system 200 includes an ELT instrument201 communicatively coupled to a computer 205. The system 200 optionallyincludes a server 209 and storage 213. Any of the ELT instrument 201,the computer 205, the server 209, and the storage 213 that are includedpreferably exchange data via communication network 217. Where methods ofthe invention employ a client/server architecture, steps of methods ofthe invention may be performed using the server, which includes one ormore of processors and memory, capable of obtaining data, instructions,etc., or providing results via an interface module or providing resultsas a file. The server may be provided by a single or multiple computerdevices, such as the rack-mounted computers sold under the trademarkBLADE by Hitachi. In system 200, each computer preferably includes atleast one processor coupled to a memory and at least one input/output(I/O) mechanism.

A processor generally includes a chip, such as a single core ormulti-core chip, to provide a central processing unit (CPU). A processormay be provided by a chip from Intel or AMD. Memory can include one ormore machine-readable devices on which is stored one or more sets ofinstructions (e.g., software) which, when executed by the processor(s)of any one of the disclosed computers can accomplish some or all of themethodologies or functions described herein. A computer of the inventionwill generally include one or more I/O device such as, for example, oneor more of a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) ora cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., akeyboard), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit, asignal generation device (e.g., a speaker), a touchscreen, anaccelerometer, a microphone, a cellular radio frequency antenna, and anetwork interface device, which can be, for example, a network interfacecard (NIC), Wi-Fi card, or cellular modem. The system 200 may be used toperform methods described herein. Instructions for any method step maybe stored in memory and a processor may execute those instructions.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system 300 for treating glaucoma according tothe invention. The treatment system 300 comprises an interactive userinterface 310 (example user interface 410 shown in FIG. 8 ), a fiberprobe 320 (examples of fiber probes 500, 600 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), controller 330, and an excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) system 340(example ELT device 400 shown in FIG. 7 ). The excimer laser system 340comprises an excimer laser 350 and gas cartridge 360. The excimer lasersystem 340, interactive user interface 310, and fiber probe 320 arecommunicatively coupled to the controller 330. Moreover, the excimerlaser system 340 may be contained in a housing that includes aninteractive user interface, and a fiber probe may connect to the housingfor use during ELT treatment.

The controller 330 has a processor. The processor generally includes achip, such as a single core or multi-core chip, to provide a centralprocessing unit (CPU), such as a chip from Intel or AMD. The controller330 provides an operator (i.e., physician, surgeon, or other medicalprofessional) with control over the treatment system 300, includingprogramming of the fiber probe, output of laser signals, and controlover the transmission of laser energy from the laser source 350 to thefiber probe 320 that delivers the laser transmission.

The controller 330 may include software, firmware and/or circuitryconfigured to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software maybe embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction setsand/or data recorded on non-transitory computer readable storage medium.Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instruction setsand/or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.“Circuitry”, as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, forexample, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmablecircuitry such as computer processors comprising one or more individualinstruction processing cores, state machine circuitry, and/or firmwarethat stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry. Forexample, the controller 330 may include a hardware processor coupled tonon-transitory, computer-readable memory containing instructionsexecutable by the processor to cause the controller to carry out variousfunctions of the treatment system 300 as described herein, includingcontrolling the laser delivery and using the interactive user interface310 to program the number of laser shots deliverable by the fiber probe320.

The laser system 340 includes an excimer laser 350 and a gas cartridge360 for providing the appropriate gas combination to the laser 350. Theexcimer laser 350 is a form of ultraviolet laser that generally operatesin the UV spectral region and generates nanosecond pulses. The excimergain medium (i.e., the medium contained within the gas cartridge 360) isgenerally a gas mixture containing a noble gas (e.g., argon, krypton, orxenon) and a reactive gas (e.g., fluorine or chlorine). Under theappropriate conditions of electrical stimulation and high pressure, apseudo-molecule called an excimer (or in the case of noble gas halides,exciplex) is created, which can only exist in an energized state and cangive rise to laser light in the UV range.

Laser action in an excimer molecule occurs because it has a bound(associative) excited state, but a repulsive (dissociative) groundstate. Noble gases such as xenon and krypton are highly inert and do notusually form chemical compounds. However, when in an excited state(induced by electrical discharge or high-energy electron beams), theycan form temporarily bound molecules with themselves (excimer) or withhalogens (exciplex) such as fluorine and chlorine. The excited compoundcan release its excess energy by undergoing spontaneous or stimulatedemission, resulting in a strongly repulsive ground state molecule whichvery quickly (on the order of a picosecond) dissociates back into twounbound atoms. This forms a population inversion. The excimer laser 350of the present system 300 is an XeCl excimer laser that emits awavelength of 308 nm.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT)instrument 400. An excimer laser is contained in the housing 490. Thehousing has wheels 470 and is portable. The push-pull handle 455 assistswith portability of the ELT instrument 400. A foot pedal 480 extendsfrom the housing 490 and is operable to provide power for deliveringshots from the laser through the fiber probe 440. The connector 430 ofthe fiber probe 440 connects to the excimer laser in the housing 490 atthe fiber connection port 435. The housing comprises an interactive userinterface 410. In some examples, the interactive user interface 410displays patient information, machine settings, and procedureinformation. The housing 490 includes control buttons, switches, anddials, such as a fiber probe cap holder 450, an emergency stop button460, and a power switch 465.

FIG. 8 shows a stylized embodiment of an interactive user interface 410according to the invention. The interactive user interface 410 is aninteractive display screen on the ELT instrument. The interactive userinterface 410 is communicatively coupled with the controller, whichallows the user (e.g., physician) to view and change settings using theinteractive user interface 410, such as via haptic feedback and/ortouchscreen technologies. The interactive user interface displays avariety of information and settings, such as patient information,instrument information, and instrument settings.

Different information is displayed on a plurality of interchangeabledisplay screens. For example, one screen may display setting informationfor the fiber probe, such as shown in FIG. 8 , while another screendisplays patient information. The user can view different screens byusing button 425 to return to a previous screen or using button 427 tomove forward to a next screen. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , asettings screen 411 is shown for the fiber probe. Display box 413designates the setting, which is the maximum number of laser shots forthe fiber probe. Display box 415 shows the maximum number of laser shotsthat the user has input. To change the set maximum number of lasershots, the user can select button 417 to increase the number in box 415and button 419 to decrease the number in box 415. Display box 421indicates the number of laser shots that have been fired from the probe,with the changing number shown in box 423. The embodiment shown in FIG.8 indicates that the fiber probe has been programmed to deliver 12 shotsas the maximum number of laser shots, and so far, the fiber probe hasdelivered 8 laser shots.

In an embodiment of the invention, the input options on the displayscreen are directed to setting the pulse, width, and amplitude of thelaser. Due to safety concerns, a maximum setting for each of the pulse,width, and amplitude may be pre-defined by the manufacturer. The usermay select values within the predefined ranges set by the manufacturer.

FIG. 9 shows a capped version of the fiber probe 500. FIG. 10 shows anuncapped version of the ELT probe or fiber probe 600. The fiber probe500, 600 comprises an optical fiber 630 that runs through the fiberprobe 600 and connects the fiber probe 600 to the excimer laser. Theconnector 610 comprises the optical fiber 630 surrounded by a protectivesheath 620. In an example, the connector 610 is about 200 cm to about300 cm in length. A proximal end of the connector has a connection plug605 that is operable to interact with the connection point on theinstrument. In an example of the invention, the connection plug 605 hasthreads that match up with threads on the connection port to secure theconnector 610 to the instrument. In an example of the invention, theconnection plug 605 has a ridge around the plug that matches up with aslot in the connection port to secure the connector 610 to theinstrument. The connector 610 connects a connection point on theinstrument (such as connection port 435 shown in FIG. 7 ) to the body650 of the handheld fiber probe 600.

The fiber probe 600 is sterilized by any suitable method that providessterilized equipment suitable for use on humans. In some embodiments,the fiber probe 600 is disposable. In some embodiments, the fiber probe600 has a tag that determines operability. In some examples of theinvention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag must match anRFID on the instrument in order to operate. In an embodiment, the body650 of the handheld probe is plastic. In an embodiment, the body 650 ofthe fiber probe 500, 600 is about 5 cm to about 10 cm in length.Preferably, the body 650 of the fiber probe is about 7 cm in length.Optionally, the body may have a finger grip 640 with ridges 645. Thefiber tip 660 at the distal end of the probe comprises an optical fiber630 jacketed in metal 670, such as stainless steel or titanium. Thejacketed fiber at the distal end of the probe is inserted into thetrabecular meshwork of the eye. A foot pedal is depressed to power thelaser. When powered, the laser delivers a shot from the laser thattravels through the optical fiber to the trabecular meshwork andSchlemm's canal.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the fiber probe across line A-Aof FIG. 10 . The cross-section shown in A-A is the cross-section of theconnector 610 from FIG. 10 . A protective sheath 620 surrounds theoptical fiber 630. In some examples, the protective sheath is aprotective plastic or rubber sheath. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectionalview of the fiber probe across line B-B of FIG. 10 . The cross-sectionshown in B-B is the cross-section of the fiber tip 660 from FIG. 10 . Ametal jacket 670 covers the optical fiber 630. In some cases, stainlesssteel jackets the optical fiber in the fiber tip.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patentapplications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, and webcontents made throughout this disclosure are hereby incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety for all purposes.

EQUIVALENTS

While the present invention has been described in conjunction withcertain embodiments, one of ordinary skill, after reading the foregoingspecification, will be able to effect various changes, substitutions ofequivalents, and other alterations to the compositions and methods setforth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating glaucoma comprising:receiving, at a processor of an excimer laser apparatus, a first signaland a second signal via a user interface based on a first user input anda second user input, respectively, wherein the first signal isindicative of a first user specified number of maximum shots deliverableby a first fiber probe of a plurality of fiber probes and the secondsignal is indicative of a second user specified number of maximum shotsdeliverable by a second fiber probe of a plurality of fiber probes, eachfiber probe attachable to an excimer laser of the excimer laserapparatus to treat a subject having glaucoma by delivering shots fromthe excimer laser, wherein each of the shots delivered from the excimerlaser comprises pulses of photoablative energy; causing, by theprocessor, a display of the excimer laser apparatus to show the firstuser specified number of maximum shots while the first fiber probe isconnected to the excimer laser apparatus or the second user specifiednumber of maximum shots while the second fiber probe is connected to theexcimer laser apparatus; controlling the excimer laser to deliver nomore than the first user specified number of maximum shots from thefirst fiber probe and no more than the second user specified number ofmaximum shots from the second fiber probe; monitoring, by the processor,a first number of shots delivered by the first fiber probe and a secondnumber of shots delivered by the second fiber probe; and causing, by theprocessor, the display to show the first number of shots delivered bythe first fiber probe or the second number of shots delivered by thesecond fiber probe.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first userspecified number of maximum shots is a variable number programmablewithin a range from a minimum to a maximum.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the first user specified number of maximum shots is greater thanabout 10 shots per eye.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first userspecified number of maximum shots is greater than 10 shots for at leastone eye.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a delivery tip of the firstfiber probe comprises an optical fiber jacketed in a metal.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the metal is stainless steel.
 7. The methodof claim 5, wherein the delivery tip is beveled.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the excimer laser is a xenon chloride laser.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein an interactive user interface is communicativelycoupled to the processor for programming each of the plurality of fiberprobes.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality offiber probes comprises a tag that is indicative of operability.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the tag comprises a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving, by the processor, a third signal via the user interface basedon a third user input, wherein the third signal is indicative of atleast one of a pulse width or an amplitude of an output of the excimerlaser.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiberprobes is associated with a predefined limit for a maximum number ofshots deliverable.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first userspecified number of maximum shots is set at or below a first predefinedlimit for the maximum number of shots deliverable for the first fiberprobe, and wherein the second user specified number of maximum shots isset at or below a second predefined limit for the maximum number ofshots deliverable for the second fiber probe.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein the first user specified number of maximum shots is selectedfrom a predefined range of shots deliverable set by a manufacturer ofthe first fiber probe.
 16. A method comprising: monitoring, by aprocessor, a first number of shots delivered by a first fiber probe of aplurality of fiber probes, the plurality of fiber probes attachable toan excimer laser and configured to deliver shots from the excimer laser,wherein each of the shots delivered from the excimer laser comprisespulses of photoablative energy; causing, by the processor, a display toshow the first number of shots delivered by the first fiber probe;monitoring, by the processor, a second number of shots delivered by asecond fiber probe of the plurality of fiber probes, wherein the firstnumber of shots delivered is different from the second number of shotsdelivered; and causing, by the processor, the display to show the secondnumber of shots delivered by the second fiber probe.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the first number of shots delivered by the first fiberprobe is limited based on a specified number of maximum shotsdeliverable set by a manufacturer of the first fiber probe.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the first fiber probe is associated with apredefined limit for a maximum number of shots deliverable.
 19. A methodcomprising: receiving, by a processor, a first signal via a userinterface based on a first user input, wherein the first signal isindicative of a first user specified number of maximum shots deliverableby a first fiber probe of a plurality of fiber probes, the plurality offiber probes attachable to an excimer laser and configured to delivershots from the excimer laser, wherein each of the plurality of fiberprobes is further configured to deliver a variable number of shotsprogrammable within a range from a minimum to a maximum, and furtherwherein each of the shots delivered from the excimer laser comprisespulses of photoablative energy; causing, by the processor, a display toshow the first user specified number of maximum shots; controlling, bythe processor, the excimer laser to deliver up to the first userspecified number of maximum shots from the first fiber probe; receiving,by the processor, a second signal via the user interface based on asecond user input, wherein the second signal is indicative of a seconduser specified number of maximum shots deliverable by a second fiberprobe of the plurality of fiber probes, wherein the first user specifiednumber of maximum shots is different from the second user specifiednumber of maximum shots; causing, by the processor, the display to showthe second user specified number of maximum shots; and controlling, bythe processor, the excimer laser to deliver up to the second userspecified number of maximum shots from the second fiber probe.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the first user specified number of maximumshots is at least 12 shots.